Local artists call for creation of Art school

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Participants of the art and painting workshop take a photo with the faciliator Ms Betsy Eby.

THE government has been asked to consider the plight of local artists in the country and build an arts school that will bring out the best in our local artisits.

Local artist and Chairman of the Art Society Solomon Islands (ASSI) Richard Bibimarui highlighted this when speaking during an art painting workshop at the Art Gallery on Friday.

Mr Bibimarui said the call is worthwhile considering the sheer number of talented Solomon Islands’ artists and their extensive works.

“The Ministry of Culture and Tourism they should create an art school for our local artists in the country.

“This school or facility will indicate that we (Solomon Islanders) have the potential people (artist) who have the heart to enrich our lives, by preserving our culture while supporting individual citizens in the country.

“There are many talented local artists out there who have never attended any school in their lives but they create a piece of art just by their imaginations and expressions.

“And in order for their talent to become fully developed, we must create a school for them so that they are trained with more knowledge and skills so that it broadens their perspectives.”

Mr Bibimarui said he understands that it will take time and money to do this but he hopes the government knows the true value of an art school and its benefits.

He said art is an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic, music, dance and other expressions.

“Art is a nation’s most precious heritage, for it is in our work of art that we reveal to ourselves and to others the inner vision which guides us as a nation.

Therefore he said such a facility is important for the development of the nation as well as to help local’s artists accomplish their own, as well as the nation’s priorities.